Dria El
June 21st, 2001, 07:33 AM
Celebration of the Dryads
The Dryads are the Nature spirits, or nymphs, of forests and trees. There are several divisions of Dryads, each of which have their special areas of expertise and magick. Some work only with groves, valleys, and trees. Others are found only around water. Still others belong to mountains and grottoes. Often their protective powers extend to the areas around their principal domain, such as those of water will protect and nurture the surrounding woods, while those of the woods will do the same for any nearby water.
The Greeks and Romans said the Dryads could give the gift of prophecy and oracles, heal the sick, watch over the flowers and wild animals of the area, and protect the fields and flocks.
Dryads were known in all the Celtic countries. The Celts believed them to be spirits who dwelt in trees, oaks in particular. The Druids contacted them for inspiration. Oak galls were known as Serpent Eggs by the Druids and were used in many of their charms.
The ancient people who knew about the Dryads were careful not to antagonize them. Grottoes, springs, groves, all woodlands were treated with respect, for they did not wish to offend the Dryads who lived there. Nymphs and Dryads were companions of Faunus and Pan; both of these forest deities were capable of causing panic and fear in any humans and animals. Our word "panic" comes from Pan's ability to incite panic.
Besides the obvious way of making friends with the Dryads - care of the woodlands and the creatures who live there - you can get to know the ones in the trees and shrubs on your property by enticing them with faery boat lights and tiny bells.
To make faery boat lights, use walnut shell halves. If you can't get walnut shells, use very small pieces of thin wood. Break birthday candles in half. Drip hot wax into the shell until you can anchor the tiny candle. Take a wide bowl of water outside and put it in a spot where you can sit comfortably and watch it. Light each candle, and float the faery boat in the bowl of water. Ring tiny bells to entice the Dryads closer; they will already be curious. Chant:
Come, Little Ones, join in my play
And we'll be friends both night and day.
Strange realms we'll seek; in fantasy
Explore the Earth and sky and sea.
Show me the powers of Elements,
Knowledge old, ingredients
Of spells and potions, magick true,
And I shall be strong friends with you.
Sit quietly and listen for strange rustlings in the leaves of the trees. Soon you should feel the presence of the Dryads. They like to play in your hair or brush against you. If you are having trouble with certain plants, inside or outside, ask for their help in healing and coaxing the plants to do better. Since the faery boat lights are in water, you can leave them to burn out if you wish.
The Dryads are the Nature spirits, or nymphs, of forests and trees. There are several divisions of Dryads, each of which have their special areas of expertise and magick. Some work only with groves, valleys, and trees. Others are found only around water. Still others belong to mountains and grottoes. Often their protective powers extend to the areas around their principal domain, such as those of water will protect and nurture the surrounding woods, while those of the woods will do the same for any nearby water.
The Greeks and Romans said the Dryads could give the gift of prophecy and oracles, heal the sick, watch over the flowers and wild animals of the area, and protect the fields and flocks.
Dryads were known in all the Celtic countries. The Celts believed them to be spirits who dwelt in trees, oaks in particular. The Druids contacted them for inspiration. Oak galls were known as Serpent Eggs by the Druids and were used in many of their charms.
The ancient people who knew about the Dryads were careful not to antagonize them. Grottoes, springs, groves, all woodlands were treated with respect, for they did not wish to offend the Dryads who lived there. Nymphs and Dryads were companions of Faunus and Pan; both of these forest deities were capable of causing panic and fear in any humans and animals. Our word "panic" comes from Pan's ability to incite panic.
Besides the obvious way of making friends with the Dryads - care of the woodlands and the creatures who live there - you can get to know the ones in the trees and shrubs on your property by enticing them with faery boat lights and tiny bells.
To make faery boat lights, use walnut shell halves. If you can't get walnut shells, use very small pieces of thin wood. Break birthday candles in half. Drip hot wax into the shell until you can anchor the tiny candle. Take a wide bowl of water outside and put it in a spot where you can sit comfortably and watch it. Light each candle, and float the faery boat in the bowl of water. Ring tiny bells to entice the Dryads closer; they will already be curious. Chant:
Come, Little Ones, join in my play
And we'll be friends both night and day.
Strange realms we'll seek; in fantasy
Explore the Earth and sky and sea.
Show me the powers of Elements,
Knowledge old, ingredients
Of spells and potions, magick true,
And I shall be strong friends with you.
Sit quietly and listen for strange rustlings in the leaves of the trees. Soon you should feel the presence of the Dryads. They like to play in your hair or brush against you. If you are having trouble with certain plants, inside or outside, ask for their help in healing and coaxing the plants to do better. Since the faery boat lights are in water, you can leave them to burn out if you wish.